Health & Safety 101

Since the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 came into place, specialised advisors and consultants have been popping up all over New Zealand. But how do you know who’s genuine? It’s all about doing your groundwork.

What to look for when seeking help

The old saying ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ is very true. Start with asking questions and learning about health and safety. Then find someone you trust who can advise you clearly about what you actually need. Check to ensure they have qualifications in H&S, NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) or at least Level 6 in Health and Safety. Interview them just like you would an employee.

There are misconceptions about consultants

One of the most common misconceptions is that it costs an arm and a leg. It’s true that the higher the risk in your business, the more you need and the more regularly you need to be covering it (hence higher costs). However, it’s completely possible to cover the basics and do it well in most businesses, without it costing the earth. Talk to your consultant about what would work for your business and how to incorporate that in your normal activities.

How to start the process

Many consultants offer a free, initial meeting to answer questions. Experts in HR and H&S can advise on both and how they interact with each other. For example: Does your job description include expectations around H&S? Many don’t.

Saving money and time on health and safety

The more planning you do, the better. Have copies of your job description, employment agreements, and any health and safety processes you already have in place. Secondly, get some training. A one-day course to gain an understanding of what the law requires is about $250, which is a small price for valuable information.

And finally...

· Get valuable health and safety information from WorkSafe

· Find a health and safety professional at www.register.hasanz.org.nz/

· Check out Active+ for workstation assessments, occupational health advice, and more.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Becoming an employer of choice

15 October 2025

How to attract great people to your business and how to keep them. Three tips to help you rise to the challenge to become an employer of choice.

What the IRD Expects from You as an Employer

10 October 2025

As an employer, there are several obligations and expectations set by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) that you must adhere to. Understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding any potential penalties. Let's take a closer look at what the IRD expects from you as an employer. Register as an Employer Before you hire your first employee, you are required to register as an employer with the IRD. This is a crucial first step in ensuring that you can meet all tax and payroll obligations. Accurate Record Keeping The IRD requires you to keep accurate and detailed records of all employment-related transactions. This includes: Employee personal details Wages and salary paid Payroll dates and methods PAYE deductions and remittances Details of benefits or allowances provided to employees Maintaining proper records helps ensure that you are reporting and remitting the correct amounts to the IRD. Deduct PAYE Tax You are responsible for deducting PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax from your employees' pay. This involves calculating the correct amount of PAYE and ensuring it is deducted from each employee's salary or wages before their net pay is provided. Pay Employer Contributions In addition to PAYE, you may also be responsible for contributing to your employees' social security and retirement benefits, depending on the country you operate in. These contributions are typically paid in conjunction with PAYE tax. Issue Statements and Forms At the end of the tax year or upon employment termination, you should provide each employee with a statement showing their total earnings and PAYE deductions. Additionally, filing the appropriate end-of-year PAYE schedules with the IRD is required. File Employer Returns Employers are required to file regular returns with the IRD, which could be monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on specific regulations. These returns should accurately report all payroll activities, including PAYE deductions. Handle Tax Codes and Changes It's crucial to apply the correct tax codes for each employee's circumstances. Any changes in employment status or tax code must be updated promptly to ensure accurate tax withholdings. Comply with Audit Requests The IRD may audit your business to ensure compliance with employer obligations. As such, being prepared to provide all requested information and records in a timely manner is vital. Adhering to these expectations from the IRD is not just about compliance; it's about fostering a transparent and trustworthy relationship with your employees and the tax authorities. If you need assistance with understanding or managing your obligations as an employer, consider reaching out to a professional accountant. Our team is here to help you navigate these responsibilities seamlessly, ensuring peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your business. Feel free to contact us for further information or assistance.

Starting a sole trader business

7 October 2025

Thinking of starting your own sole trader business? The Sole Trader Toolkit from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has all the basic advice you might need.